The fire performance of elastomers is assessed using international standards covering flammability, smoke density and toxicity.

• Key standards:

  • EN 45545 (railway, Europe): assesses materials in rolling stock against fire safety requirements (Hazard Levels HL1–HL3). Tests: flammability, smoke density, smoke toxicity.

  • DIN 4102 (Germany): building material classes B1 (hardly flammable), B2 (normally flammable), B3 (easily flammable).

  • EN 13501-1 (Europe, construction): classification A1–F with smoke (s1–s3) and burning droplets (d0–d2).

  • UL 94 (USA, plastics): horizontal/vertical flame classifications (HB, V-2, V-1, V-0, 5VA/5VB).

  • FMVSS 302 (automotive, USA): horizontal burning rate of materials.

• Material behaviour:

  • Silicone: inherently flame-retardant, often UL 94 V-0, typically compliant with EN 45545 HL1–HL3.

  • TPE: variable flammability; halogen-free flame retardants required to achieve EN 13501-1 (e.g. B-s2,d0) or EN 45545 classification.

  • EPDM: with flame retardants, widely used in building and railway applications.

  • FKM / FFKM: excellent self-extinguishing properties, high cost.

• Relevance:

  • Construction: EN 13501-1 applies for façades, doors, windows.

  • Railway: EN 45545 mandatory (e.g. R22/R23 for seals).

  • Automotive: FMVSS 302 standard.